News Scan

Ex-Con Charged of Murdering a Florida Girl: An Alabama man who spent 15 years in prison for a 1999 sexual assault and rape has been charged with the kidnap and murder of a 12-year-old Florida girl. The Associated Press reports that Robert Leroy Howard is facing charges which could result in a death penalty. The victim, Naomi Jones, lived in the same Florida apartment complex as Howard's girlfriend where he stayed frequently. The girl was reported missing on May 31. Her body was found in a nearby creek by fisherman five days later. An autopsy reported that she died by asphyxiation. At a hearing on Friday, Howard was denied bail. CBS news reports that investigators believe that the suspect and victim may have made contact via social media.

Chicago: 43 Shot, 6 Killed Over Weekend: Among the 275 people killed in Chicago so far this year were six who died last weekend. Peter Nickeas of the Chicago Tribune reports that included in the 43 shooting victims were nine who were wounded in a single attack in Lawndale at about 3:15 am Sunday. A 6:40 pm shooting at the crowded 31st Street beach critically wounded two 16-year-old boys. In addition to the shootings, a 13-year-old girl was stabbed and beaten to death in Sheridan Park Sunday evening. At least 1,520 people have been shot in 2017, down 150 from 2016.